How to Winterize a Cottage or Vacant Property

Any unheated property in Ontario needs its plumbing drained before hard freeze — no exceptions.

Common causes

• Standing water in traps and lines
• Toilet tank and bowl full of water
• Water heater tank full
• Untreated drain traps

Step-by-step

1. 01Shut off the main and drain lines from the lowest tap
2. 02Blow out remaining lines with compressed air (35–50 psi max on PEX)
3. 03Flush toilets and pour RV antifreeze into every trap and toilet
4. 04Drain the water heater tank fully

When to call Northbridge

• First-time winterization on an old cottage
• No accessible main shut-off or low-point drain
• You want a professional job with a signed checklist
• Property has a well or complex water treatment